Stevie The Inventor hopes new book sparks STEM curiosity

By Brenda Hillegas

As a kid growing up in Philadelphia, Steven Stotts was constantly curious about how things worked. That curiosity eventually grew into a career in STEM, and now Stotts — an inventor, educator, and author known as Stevie The Inventor — is using his knowledge to inspire the next generation of inventors.

His new children’s book, ‘Stevie The Inventor and the Spark That Started It All,’ encourages young readers to see inventions as adventures powered by creativity, persistence, and imagination.

The book is also part of a larger mission, and a portion of every sale helps fund free Build-A-Bot STEM classes in schools and libraries across Philadelphia, where kids can learn to build simple robots while developing problem-solving skills and confidence.

Stotts recently sat down with Metro to share more about how his own childhood curiosity shaped his path, what the future looks like for his brand, and why he hopes the book will spark a love of invention in readers across the city.

Where did your interest in inventing and engineering first begin?

My interest in inventing started when I was a kid growing up in Philadelphia. I was always curious about how things worked. I would take things apart around the house just to see what was inside. Sometimes I could put them back together… sometimes I couldn’t. But, every time I learned something. My parents always encouraged that curiosity, and that support helped shape the way I think today. STEM for me wasn’t something I discovered in a classroom first — it started with curiosity, imagination, and the freedom to explore.

Was there a particular moment or project growing up that made you realize you wanted to become an inventor?

There wasn’t just one moment. It was more like a series of little discoveries. Every time I built something, fixed something, or figured out a better way to do something, I felt that spark. I realized that inventing is really about solving problems. Once I understood that, I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life — use creativity and engineering to turn ideas into real things that can help people.

Your new book, ‘Stevie The Inventor and the Spark That Started It All,’ is currently a No. 1 new release in Amazon’s Experiments & Projects category. What inspired this story?

The story is inspired by my own journey. I wanted to tell kids that every great inventor starts with a small idea, a spark. The book shows how curiosity, persistence, and imagination can turn that spark into something amazing. I also wanted children to see themselves in the story. Representation matters. When kids see someone who looks like them creating, inventing, and leading in STEM, it helps them believe they can do it, too.

Many children’s books focus on adventure or fantasy. Why was it important to you to create one centered on invention and curiosity?

Adventure is great, but I believe invention is one of the greatest adventures there is. When a child learns how to build something, test an idea, or solve a problem, that’s real-world magic. I wanted to create a story that celebrates curiosity and creativity while introducing kids to the mindset of an inventor. If a book can spark curiosity in a child’s mind, that spark can grow into a lifelong love for learning.

A portion of the book’s proceeds funds free Build-A-Bot STEM classes for underserved schools and libraries throughout Philadelphia. Can you talk about that decision?

That decision came from the heart. I believe opportunity should not depend on zip code. There are so many brilliant kids in our communities who just need exposure and encouragement. By connecting the book to free Build-A-Bot classes, every reader becomes part of something bigger. When someone buys the book, they’re helping another child experience STEM hands-on. It turns a story into a movement.

Inside a typical Build-A-Bot class, what kinds of things are kids building and learning?

In a Build-A-Bot class, kids become inventors. They build small robots and mechanical creations using motors, simple circuits, recycled materials, and everyday objects. More importantly, they learn how to think like engineers. They learn problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and confidence. When a child sees something they built actually move or work, that moment is powerful. You can literally see their confidence grow.

As a Philadelphia-based inventor and educator, how has the city shaped your work and mission?

Philadelphia has a rich history of innovation. Benjamin Franklin was one of America’s first great inventors, and that spirit still lives in this city. Growing up here showed me the importance of community and resilience. It also showed me that talent exists everywhere. My mission is to make sure kids in Philadelphia know that their ideas matter and that they can be the next generation of innovators.

For families, teachers, and readers discovering your work for the first time, what do you hope they take away from the book?

I hope they walk away believing that ideas matter. Every invention, every innovation, every breakthrough started as a simple thought. If a child reads the book and begins asking questions, building things, or imagining solutions to problems, then the mission is already working. I want kids to see that inventing isn’t just something scientists do in laboratories — it’s something anyone with curiosity can do.

Looking ahead, what’s next for the Stevie The Inventor brand and your STEM education programs?

We’re just getting started. The vision is to build a full ecosystem that inspires young innovators. That includes more books in the series, animated content, expanded Build-A-Bot classes, STEM camps, invention kits, and new programs that bring hands-on STEM learning to communities across the country. The goal is simple: spark curiosity in kids and help them realize they have the power to build the future. We are also working on a live musical show similar to a ‘Sesame Street Live’ production this fall.